Sicilian Pasta e Fagioli, also known as Pasta and Beans, is a simple and hearty classic Italian dish. This recipe was mid century crooner Dean Martin's favorite, just as his mother Angela prepared it.
In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook for about 1 minute.
Drain beans and add to pot with water; stir to mix.
Add salt, pepper and cinnamon.
Cover pot, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil on a low-boil for 15 minutes, then turn down to medium-low heat and simmer on a low simmer for 90 minutes.
Add pasta to soup pot and cook to al dente according to package directions.
When pasta is ready, remove soup from heat and serve with grated parmesan on top. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley if desired.
Notes
Recipe can be doubled or tripled.Substitute tubetti pasta for tubetini if you can't find it.For extra flavor, add a ham hock to the soup pot while cooking.If you'd like some tomato flavor, you can add a 15 oz. can of tomato sauce.